Let’s get serious

Pop punkers Frank and Earnest sing it like it is

The pop-punk band, which features members of The Cartridge Family, puts a strong focus on writing lyrics that are true to life. “A lot of my lyrics are about shit that’s been going on the past couple years,” said vocalist/ guitarist Ben Hassenger (former Lansing mayoral candidate). “I write about love that’s gone awry, being broke … having a landlord that’s trying to screw you over. Everything I write is a pretty clear snapshot of my life.”

Hassenger said most of the band’s lyrics are blunt with emotion. “The songs are always matter of fact, there is always a sense of something deeperin the song, but it’s never over the top or pretentious,” he said.

“Most of my songs are written when I’m a depressed drunk,” Pierce said. “I wait until I’m at a bad point, then I go in my room and start writing.”

While each member brings different influences to the table, Wittnann said the band’s songs maintain a cohesive sound. “All three of us write so differently, but we all write up-front lyrics,” Wittnann said. “That’s our connecting factor.”

While Pierce may find inspiration from a Lucero record, Hassenger may throw on a Bruce Springsteen LP, or some 2Pac.

“I love metaphors. I love listening to hip-hop,” Hassenger explained. “The way they use rhyme and alliteration is incredibly fascinating. I try to incorporate that into my songs when I can.”

Electronic music today is often made on laptop computers, using programs to compose beats. Patrick Wenzel, of local duo Public Pubes, said he and band mate Jessica Arnold prefer to keep it real, using keyboards and hardware to construct rugged beats and sounds.

Since forming a year ago, the Lansing/ Ann Arbor-based duo has developed a stylethat mixes the synth-heavy sounds of Devo with experimental dancetracks. “I am always trying to find a way to make music that is moreraw,” Wenzel said. “That’s what we’re going for.”

Layeredon top of the beats are funny, sometimes crude, lyrics inspired byWenzel and Arnold’s daily routines. “A lot of people are motivated bymusic, but I am way more inspired by actions I see around me everydayin this town,” he explained. “For example, I joke around with the waypeople have to act in order to get laid. To me, that’s never been anissue; I get laid by naturally being myself. I don’t have to go out andact a certain way. I find humor in that behavior.”

Wenzel, 27, first began writing music at age 12. He prefers music made by artists he can identify with.

“Peopleshould be able to listen to music that’s real,” Wenzel said. “All thismusic played by people from Hollywood, what the fuck do they know? Idon’t want to listen to some spoiled little bitch. I want to listen topeople who know what it’s like to be broke and could possibly freak outand kill a bunch of people.”